LOS ANGELES — Joey DeNato was lights out Thursday afternoon at Page Stadium. The diminutive sophomore southpaw pitched a complete-game, three-hitter to help Indiana to a 3-1 victory over Loyola Marymount.
After allowing a pair of hits and needing a play at the plate to end the first inning, DeNato sat down 15 consecutive Lion batters. He allowed a walk and a double to lead off the seventh inning, but then got the final nine outs in succession.
After the game, I talked with DeNato and Hoosiers head coach Tracy Smith. Both talked about the importance of DeNato’s performance with Indiana playing eight games in eight days. DeNato, a San Diego native, talked about being able to see family and friends and staying at home during the Hoosiers’ West Coast road trip:
Coach Smith discussed DeNato’s performance as well as how defense has been the key for the team winning the last two games.
—
